Cecilia vs. Cecelia

NerdyLucy · January 2014

A previous post made me curious regarding which spelling is preferred.

I noticed that various posters spelled it both ways in the comments, and I don't think anyone pointed it out.

I think I typically spell it Cecilia.

I had to check on BTN; it seems that both are legitimate, but I interpret the entries to say that Cecelia is a variant of Cecilia.

https://www.behindthename.com/name/cecilia

https://www.behindthename.com/name/cecelia

What's your preference?

stinkerbell78 · January 2014

I have to add that I have a coworker named Cecelia and people always try to spell it the other way

bcnoelle · January 2014

I like Cecelia, but I think Cecilia is more popular (how it's spelled in song). I think of the little hairlike projections Cilia though in this spelling. I also like how Cecelia goes with nickname Cece spelling easier.

JaysonandKristin · January 2014

bcnoelle said:

I like Cecelia, but I think Cecilia is more popular (how it's spelled in song). I think of the little hairlike projections Cilia though in this spelling. I also like how Cecelia goes with nickname Cece spelling easier.

This is where my mind goes.

frasey · January 2014

I don't like Cecelia bc it makes me think the 2 'ce's should be pronounced the same.

ObLaDi · January 2014

bcnoelle said:

I like Cecelia, but I think Cecilia is more popular (how it's spelled in song). I think of the little hairlike projections Cilia though in this spelling. I also like how Cecelia goes with nickname Cece spelling easier.

This. Cecelia also works better if you wind up shortening to Celia as a nickname.

That said, if I used the name, I'd probably pick Cecilia just because that's how most people are inclined to spell it.

Dharmatron · January 2014

This is my favorite girl name! I would spell it Cecilia.

BulgariHeart · January 2014

frasey said:
I don't like Cecelia bc it makes me think the 2 'ce's should be pronounced the same.

I know right!

englishtearose · January 2014

I love Cecilia (how I would be inclined to spell it) but I also love the nn Celia. Do you think you think it would be weird to name her Cecilia and have Celia spelled this way for a nn? I'm not sure.

NerdyLucy · January 2014

englishtearose said:

I love Cecilia (how I would be inclined to spell it) but I also love the nn Celia. Do you think you think it would be weird to name her Cecilia and have Celia spelled this way for a nn? I'm not sure.

I think it would be fine. A lot of nicknames aren't necessarily consistent with the spelling of the formal name.